Here are all 26 Religion questions asked in UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 4 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
5.1] Anthropological approaches to the study of religion
7 questions
How do religious beliefs help people to devise cultural mechanisms to adapt to their environment? Discuss in detail with appropriate examples. [2026/15m/2b]
How did Clifford Geertz look at religion? Differentiate between anthropological and psychological approaches to the study of religion. [2023/15m/3b]
Critically explain the anthropological approaches to religion. [2019/15m/4b]
Critically examine different Anthropological approaches to Religion. [2016/15m/3c]
What is functionalism? Discuss the functional approach to the understanding of Religion. [2014/20m/4a]
Explain various anthropological approaches to study religion. [2011/30m/4b]
Discuss Anthropological approaches to the study of Religion. [2006/60m/R10]
5.2] Monotheism and polytheism; sacred and profane; myths and rituals
3 questions
Write a short note on: Myth as oral literature. [2026/10m/150w/1c]
How do you relate the concepts of ‘Sacred’ and ‘Profane’ in Durkheim’s theory of religion with a focus on the role of totem? [2015/15m/3b]
What is understood by ‘Rites of Passage’? Describe the various phases of the ‘Rites of Passage’ and their significance. [2014/20m/4b]
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View the BookDownload Free Sample5.3] Forms of religion in tribal and peasant societies
7 questions
Write a short note on: Animism and Deep Ecology. [2021/10m/150w/1a]
Discuss the different traditional forms of religion in tribal societies. [2017/20m/3a]
Write a short note on: Totemism. [2016/10m/150w/1d]
How do you relate the concepts of ‘Sacred’ and ‘Profane’ in Durkheim’s theory of religion with a focus on the role of totem? [2015/15m/3b]
Write a short note on: Totemism. [2013/10m/150w/1c]
How do anthropologists define Religion? Describe various forms of religion with suitable examples. [2007/60m/R10]
Discuss some of the characteristic features of tribal religions in India and state how far have they changed in recent times. [1999/50m/5]
5.4] Religion, magic and science distinguished; magico-religious functionaries
9 questions
Write a short note on: Shaman, sorcerer and medicine man. [2022/10m/150w/5d]
Write a short note on: Difference between Science and Magic. [2018/10m/150w/1b]
Write a short note on: Difference between religion and magic. [2017/10m/150w/1b]
Distinguish between Religion, Magic and Science. [2012/20m/2b]
Write a short note on: Shamanism. [2007/20m/R3]
“Witchcraft accusation is the result of strained interpersonal relations.” Explain. [2005/60m/R10]
Distinguish between magic and religion. Give suitable examples. [2004/60m/R9]
Write a short note on: Witchcraft and sorcery. [1998/25m/200w/1b]
Why have religion and magic become stable features of a society? What role do the religious functionaries play in simple and non-literate societies? [1996/50m/R14]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026